"Sometimes, I've thought it might be better if my sword did kill," Uriel replied. "And I was thoughtless. I didn't even remember..." She trailed off.

Despite trusting Adam's protection, Uriel couldn't help but tense a bit as Ellie's hand brushed Bran's cheek. She knew very well just what kind of damage the other woman could cause if she wanted to.

"I am grateful," she replied then. "More grateful than I ever thought I could be."